Updates from Across the State
Friends,
This week I received some noteworthy updates from Atlanta and across the state, and I’d like to share them with you. I hope this information finds you safe and healthy. As always, if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Unemployment Assistance for Georgians
Recently, Governor Kemp applied for a grant from the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program, a plan put in place by President Trump to extend enhanced federal unemployment benefits. In exciting news for Georgians, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) just approved this application. The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) will provide a $300 supplement to eligible Georgians who receive benefits from Georgia’s state and federal unemployment insurance programs. The DOL will begin applying the benefits to eligible Georgians starting August 1. Individuals who qualify for this supplement do not need to contact DOL or reapply to receive it. For more information, visit www.DOL.Georgia.gov.
Update from the Governor’s Office on COVID-19 in Georgia
The Governor’s Office recently updated Georgia House members on where Georgia stands in its fight against COVID-19. Since July 26, the percent of positive tests for COVID-19 dropped from 13.1% to 9.0% - a significant drop. Georgia’s seven-day average of new cases (the average number of cases over the previous seven days) has dropped by 30%. Three out of four Georgia hospitals report having fewer COVID-19 patients than they did four weeks ago. The Governor’s Office also reported having surveyed 100% of Georgia nursing homes for their compliance with COVID-19 precautions and that 1,700 additional staff members have been provided to more than 90 long-term care facilities and 45 hospitals.
2020 Census Update
Participation in the Census is vital for our state and local communities. Unfortunately, Georgia is far behind most of our neighbors in participation! Our current participation rate is only 59.9%, while the national rate is 64.5%. The Census results determine the allocation of federal funds to our state and provide vital information for state planning for education and safety needs for our communities.
Significantly, the Census also determines political representation at the state and federal level. The Census is a major factor in deciding where district lines are drawn to ensure that all Georgians are represented in their local communities, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Currently, Bulloch County has a 51.4% response rate, Effingham County has a 63.7% response rate, and Screven County has a 51.1% response rate. If you have not yet completed your Census questionnaire, visit www.Census.GA.gov.
New Absentee Ballot Request Option
The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office recently unveiled an online absentee ballot request website to quickly request an absentee ballot from your county Board of Elections. You will need your full name, your birthday, your driver’s license number, and your county of residence to request an absentee ballot. Once you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation of your request, and your local county Board of Elections will mail you an absentee ballot. To submit your absentee ballot application, visit BallotRequest.SOS.GA.gov/.
Thank you all for allowing me to represent Georgia House District 159. It is truly an honor to work for you and this great state. If you have any feedback, do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), email (Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov), or engage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JonBurnsGA). If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.